Cape air studies replacement for 402's
#13
Line Holder
Joined APC: Mar 2009
Position: EMB145 FO
Posts: 45
Georgia Skies is a 135 operator. I can't remember how to get around the 2 engine rule for the scheduled (135) operator, but it's in the regs. somewhere. I think it had to do with 9 or less seats? or something like that. Come to think of it, I believe Cape Air (the 402 operation) is 135 as well. I know they do have a 121 certificate, but I think thats only for the ATR's in Guam.
#14
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: May 2008
Posts: 617
Cape Air's 402 operation IS 135. Now, many will disagree with me but as a pilot i'd rather fly a 402 than a caravan any day(having flown both). Regardless of what anyone says about PT-6 reliability, there's still one engine there. If something goes wrong, you're probably dead. Honestly the best option I could think of is to talk to Cessna or Piper about building a new replacement aircraft, or maybe even new production 402s. An order for more than 50 should be enough for them to consider it at least. Of course, you might have trouble convincing Cessna to build new ones without fancy avionics and such...
#16
Cape Air's 402 operation IS 135. Now, many will disagree with me but as a pilot i'd rather fly a 402 than a caravan any day(having flown both). Regardless of what anyone says about PT-6 reliability, there's still one engine there. If something goes wrong, you're probably dead. Honestly the best option I could think of is to talk to Cessna or Piper about building a new replacement aircraft, or maybe even new production 402s. An order for more than 50 should be enough for them to consider it at least. Of course, you might have trouble convincing Cessna to build new ones without fancy avionics and such...
#17
#18
The cost of a new airplane is gonna be expensive, im betting somewhere around the 1 million dollar mark. Im guessing by talking to the manufacturers that they are trying to get a new airplane. So if Cessna were to start reproducing the 402, maybe keep it right around a million, then I think Cape Air would bite. Also if Cessna could keep as many parts common between the old and the new that would help with maintenance. I think no matter what route they go its gonna be an expensive proposition, unless somebody knows of something that can replace it that still has some flying years left on it.
#20
Line Holder
Joined APC: Mar 2007
Posts: 52
Gooney bird
Now if Douglas (Boeing?) put the DC3 back in production, that would be something. There might even be a couple of PBA guys on property that remember how to fly it.
I miss the sound of radials flying around the Cape! The hell with the cost!
I miss the sound of radials flying around the Cape! The hell with the cost!
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